Permit Assistance
The Chamber is striving to make the process of permitting a less daunting task. Each town has its own regulations regarding permitting and some applicants are required to acquire additional State permits. We urge applicants to seek assistance and clarification from the proper agency and administrators early in the planning and permitting process. The information below is provided to help you find those resources.
Local
Town plan and zoning/permitting documents are posted on the Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Planning Commission (TRORC) website and can be accessed by clicking on the name of the town in the list below.
| Bethel | Town Offices 802-234-9722 |
| Braintree | Zoning Administrator: Preston Bristow 802-728-9787 |
| Brookfield | Town Offices 802-276-3352 |
| Chelsea | Town Offices 802-685-4460 |
| Hancock | Town Offices 802-767-3660 |
| Randolph | Zoning Administrator: Mardee Sanchez 802-728-5433 ext 13 zoning@municipaloffice.randolph.vt.us |
| Rochester | Zoning Administrator: Doon Hinderyckx 802-767-3631 |
| Royalton | Town Offices 802-763-7967 |
| Sharon | Town Offices 802-763-8268 |
| Stockbridge | Town Offices 802-746-8400 |
| Tunbridge | Town Offices 802-889-5521 |
Regional
Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Planning Commission (TRORC)
TRORC is a valuable planning resource to the region. Applicants with projects going through State permitting need to "demonstrate that the intended use meets with the goals and policies expressed in the Regional Plan" This policy statement on regional growth and development is a five year plan (July 2007 – 2012). The Regional Commission staff can offer informal advice when projects are being conceived, which may save much time and money during the permitting process.
State
There are many pieces to the puzzle when putting together a project for permitting. As stated in its website, "The Environmental Assistance Office provides permit assistance through the Agency of Natural Resources' five regional offices and five satellite offices. The Permit Specialists are available in these offices to answer your questions about the permit process. The Permit Specialist will advise you about needed state permits and will prepare a Project Review Sheet. The Project Review Sheet is a preliminary determination of not only environmental permits, but also any state permits your project may need. It lists the agencies and departments and provides contact information. Knowing all of the permits required before you begin your project can prevent costly delays, saving you time and money."
Permit Specialist for Bethel, Hancock, Rochester, Royalton, Sharon, Stockbridge
Sandra Conant
100 Mineral Street, Springfield, VT 05156
Telephone: (802) 885-8850, Fax: (802) 885-8890
Email: sandra.conant@state.vt.us
Office Hours 7:00am – 3:30pm, M, T, W, Th & F (1st & 3rd)
Permit Specialist for Braintree, Brookfield, Chelsea, Randolph, Tundbridge
John Miller
5 Perry Street, Suite 80, Barre, VT 05641-4268
Telephone: (802) 476-0195
Email: john.miller@state.vt.us
Office Hours: 7:45am – 4:30pm, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday(1st, 2nd, & 4th) & Friday
ACT 250 - Natural Resource Boardbr /> Land Use Panel The Land Use Panel oversees the activities of the District Environmental Commissions, provides administrative support and enforcement of Act 250 permits, and conducts rulemaking related to the Act 250 program. The Panel has five members, including Chair Peter Young, Jr. The Water Resource Panel is a public body, independent of the Agency of Natural Resources, comprised of four citizen members plus Chair Peter Young, Jr. Established by Act No. 115 of the Vermont General Assembly, the Water Resources Panel is responsible for the management and protection of Vermont’s water resources, including significant wetlands.
Environmental District Commission The Act 250 program provides a public, quasi-judicial process for reviewing and managing the environmental, social and fiscal consequences of major subdivisions and developments in Vermont. The program is implemented through the 9 District Environmental Commissions. The towns of the Chamber fall into Environmental District 3. Specific program objectives of Act 250 include:
- thorough review of each Act 250 permit application under the requirements of the statutory criteria; Act 250 Statute (Effective June 1, 2009) The Ten Criteria
- performing jurisdictional determinations and permit reviews as expeditiously as possible;
- providing assistance to applicants and other parties in preparation for their participation in Act 250 proceedings;
- assisting permittees in maintaining compliance with permit terms and conditions;
- enforcing the requirements of Act 250 permits and the statute.
Environmental Disctrict 3 Members and Staff
District 3 includes Northern Windsor County and Orange County with the exception of Washington, Williamstown and Orange. The current Chair is Joshual Powers (Exp. 1/31/11), members Roderick Maclay (Exp. 1/31/11) and Susan Ford, Vice Chair (Exp. 1/31/13) and Alternates Suzanne Butterfield (Exp. 1/31/11), Marvin Harvey (Exp. 1/31/13), Brian Kenyon (Exp. 1/31/11) and Paul Kendall (1/31/11).
Environmental Commission District 3 Staff
Linda Matteson Coordinator 802-885-8843 linda.matteson@state.vt.us
Susan Precourt Support Staff 802-885-8846 susan.precourt@state.vt.us
Terry Ranney Support Staff 802-885-8840 terry.ranney@state.vt.us
Environmental Commission District 3, 100 Mineral Street, Suite #305, Springfield, VT 05156
The Water Resource Panel is a public body, independent of the Agency of Natural Resources, comprised of four citizen members plus Chair Peter Young, Jr. The Water Resources Panel is responsible for the management and protection of Vermont’s water resources, including significant wetlands.
Other Helpful Links
Act 250 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Act 250 Application Forms & Guide
Act 250 Database - pending permits and issued decisions
Vermont Environmental Court - This VEC website is for appeals of Act 250 decisions.
VT State Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA) Permit Summary
Vermont Association of Planners (VPA)
Vermont Planning Division - guidance for land use policy and development decisions
Vermont Secretary of State's Office - information and assistance in understanding the laws applying to local governments.